The tragic fire at a major shopping mall in Karachi has claimed at least 21 lives, while more than 60 people are still missing, according to Pakistani officials. Rescue teams continue search operations as families anxiously wait for news of their loved ones. The incident has shocked the entire nation and raised serious questions about safety standards in commercial buildings.
Rescue Operations Continue After Deadly Blaze
Mohammed Ameen from the Edhi emergency services confirmed that 21 people, including a child, have died in the devastating fire. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that 65 individuals remain unaccounted for, while 22 injured victims have been discharged from hospitals. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, after visiting the site, described the situation as a “national tragedy,” saying the number of missing persons could be more than 70.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief and assured full support to the affected families and the Sindh government during this difficult time.
Families Desperate for Answers
Relatives of the missing are spending sleepless nights outside the burnt complex. Qasir Khan, whose wife and other family members were at the mall, blamed slow rescue efforts. He feared that many bodies would be beyond recognition. Another resident, Kosar Bano, said six members of her family had gone shopping for a wedding and never returned. Shopkeepers also mourned their losses, with one trader Yasmeen Bano saying 20 years of hard work had turned to ashes.
Building Declared Unsafe, Fire Rekindles
The blaze erupted late Saturday at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly 36 hours before gaining partial control. However, officials warned that the structure has become highly unstable and may collapse at any moment. On Monday, rescue chief Abid Jalal confirmed that flames had reappeared in parts of the building, forcing firefighting efforts to resume.
Investigation Under Way Into Cause of Fire
Authorities initially suspected an electrical short circuit, but the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Police have launched a formal investigation to determine whether negligence or illegal construction contributed to the disaster. Karachi has witnessed several deadly fires in the past due to poor safety measures. In 2023, a mall fire killed 10 people, while the horrific 2012 garments factory inferno claimed 260 lives.
Need for Stronger Safety Measures
Experts believe this tragedy highlights the urgent need for strict implementation of building codes, functional fire exits, and regular inspections in Karachi’s commercial centers. Without serious reforms, such incidents may continue to threaten innocent lives.
